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Large crowd attends Memorial Day service in Ludlow

LUDLOW – Featuring sunny skies and hot, humid weather, the annual Ludlow Memorial Day program was held Monday at the Gibbs Hill Cemetery.A large crowd attended the event, which included the singing of “God Bless America,” the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” and the “Star Spangled Banner.” Georgi Rice led the singing of the patriotic songs.The Rev. Dennis Johnson was the speaker for the program. He is the pastor of the Sheffield and Barnes United Methodist Church.In his address, Johnson recited “In Flanders Field,” which he called “one of the most popular and most quoted war poems.”Johnson pointed out that the poem’s references to “poppies” that grew over the graves of World War I soldiers led to the annual red “Poppy” sales held by veterans’ groups.He said the “remembrance poppy” has become “one of the world’s most recognized memorial symbols for soldiers who have died in conflict.”Johnson cited several Bible passages, which he related to the observance of Memorial Day.“God hates war, but love soldiers—all soldiers—and it is up to us to work toward peace,” Johnson said. “The only reason for war is peace.”The speaker recited a prayer in which he said “we lift up thankful hearts” for “the dear friends and family members whose faces we see no more, but whose love is with us forever.”He said “thankful hearts” also are given for “those who sacrificed themselves—our brothers and sisters who have given their lives for the sake of others.”The American Legion Post in Ludlow sponsored the Memorial Day program at the cemetery.See full article by purchasing the May 29 edition of The Kane Republican.